BODY cameras will be rolled out for police officers across Oxfordshire to gather evidence while on the beat and encourage offenders to own up to crimes.

Police and Crime Commissioner Anthony Stansfeld said officers in the Thames Valley would have access to "body-worn video" - a recording device which will capture an officer's interactions with criminals and members of the public.

The conservative PCC said one of the main reasons behind the move was to make solving crimes in the night time economy easier.

Thames Valley Police said there had been no timescale set for when the equipment would be available for on-duty officers, but said it was looking to "substantially increase" the number of officers using cameras.

In an exclusive interview Mr Stansfeld said some front line officers had used the cameras which had proved a success.

Mr Stansfeld, who was re-elected as PCC in May, added there were a "number of reasons" behind the decision to roll them out.

He said: "In the night time economy people often plead guilty when they see the body worn camera footage the next morning.

"It's also very useful in domestic abuse cases and gives protection to police officers against false claims. But it also is ensures officers behave in an exemplary fashion.

"The video footage is also useful in court cases when giving evidence."

It is understood each camera costs between £300 to £400 each.

Mr Stansfeld said the cost of would "pay for itself" through the time and effort saved in getting guilty pleas.

He added: "The less time they turn up giving evidence in court cases, the more time they will be spending on the beat."

Supt Christian Bunt, local policing area commander for Oxford, said having body worn cameras is "extremely useful" adding he "fully endorsed" rolling out to more constables.

He added: "It's just another tool in our box, it's not always used for evidence to charge someone, sometimes we will show it to people and to say this is how you've behaved, do not do it again.

"They are good in terms of capturing evidence especially in domestic violence incidents and public order offences.

"When they are being used, they can really impact the way the people react in terms of their behaviour and diffuse situations.

"It's also good for the public in terms of transparency. It can also be used for officers to learn and develop their skills to see how we can do better."

The force confirmed it would first focus on replacing the existing equipment before rolling out new cameras.

Graham Smith, chairman of the Thames Valley Police Federation, the body which represents rank-and-file officers, supported the move but said having video doesn't give the full picture of an event.

He said: "It's a good addition for both officers and public protection. But videos do not show the entire story of an incident, it shows a 2D version of events.

"We do support the roll out and I wish all officers could have body worn video issued to them, but at this time funding is not available."

The force said the footage, if not going to be used as evidence, is held for 31 days on a hard drive and then deleted.